“I Have Set Thee A Watchman”

1. “I Have Set Thee A Watchman” So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me. When I say to the wicked, “O wicked man, you shall surely die!” and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul. (Ezek. 33:7-9)

2. Watchman Why Needed? Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8) Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)

3. Watchman Why Needed? Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. (Acts 20:28-32)

4. Watchman Who Is To Watch? Elders Acts 20:31 Heb. 13:17 Evangelists 2 Tim. 4:1-5 All Christians 1 Pet. 5:8 2 Pet. 2:1-3

5. Watchman Watch For What? Anything God Warns About Evil Companions 1 Cor. 15:33 Riches Matt. 13:22 Humanism Evolution in Schools Hollywood’s Influence False Teachers Matt. 7:15-20 2 Pet. 2:1 1 Jn. 4:1 Worldliness

6. Watchman Resonsibility Know God’s Word 2 Tim. 2:15 2 Pet. 3:1-2 Warn of Danger & Speak Clearly 1 Cor. 14:8 Jesus Warned His Disciples Matt. 16:6-12 Paul Warned Peter Gal. 2:11-14 Peter Warned Simon Acts 8:20-23 Paul Warned Timothy 2 Tim. 2:16-17; 4:14

7. Some Watchman Lazy, Blind, Ignorant All you beasts of the field, come to devour, All you beasts in the forest. His watchmen are blind, They are all ignorant; They are all dumb dogs, They cannot bark; Sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yes, they are greedy dogs Which never have enough. And they are shepherds Who cannot understand; They all look to their own way, Every one for his own gain, From his own territory. “Come,” one says, “I will bring wine, And we will fill ourselves with intoxicating drink; Tomorrow will be as today, And much more abundant.” (Isaiah 56:9-12)

8. Some Watchman Lazy, Blind, Ignorant Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. (Romans 16:17-18) Which dog would you rather have watching over the things you love?

9. Watchman's Judgment When I say to the wicked, “O wicked man, you shall surely die!” and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul. (Ezekiel 33:8-9)

10. Watchman's Limit Can warn, but not fight battle for others Can blow the trumpet, but someone must answer the call Failure of the Watchman Failure in a trust His negligence hurts others Fear of disturbing the peace is no excuse Fear of losing a job is no excuse